Jazz Cruises Conversations
Jazz Cruises Conversations invites you to escape to the high seas for the most intimate and candid conversations in music. Go beyond the stage for full-length interviews with the biggest names in jazz and smooth jazz, recorded live on the world's premier floating music festivals.
Guided by veteran host Lee Mergner (and other musicians, comedians, and on-board talent), hear legends open up about their careers, creative process, and lives on the road, all recorded exclusively on sailings of The Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea, Botti at Sea, and The Smooth Jazz Cruise. Mergner and his crew’s knowledgeable perspectives ensure these aren't just chats—they are engaging, entertaining, and truly informative deep dives into the music.
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Signature Cruise Experiences is the Gold Standard for Charter Theme Cruises since 2001. In that time, we have produced over 100 full ship theme charters, most of which featured a significant music theme and top performers.
Our goal has been to present the very best musicians possible and do so with authenticity and professionalism. Our music venues are the best at sea and our sound production is Performing Art Center quality. Nothing but the best for our talent which translates to the very best for our guests.
Episodes
Beyond the Cheeks: Sean Jones & Brinae Ali Revisit the Genius of Gillespie
Bria Skonberg's Reset: From Pandemic to NYC Hot Jazz Camp Director
Dan & Chris Brubeck: The Maestro, Milhaud & "The Real Ambassadors"
Marcus Miller & Gregory Porter: The Real, Fazioli Pianos, and Creative Process Secrets
Oscar Peterson's Poem to Ella: A Look at Their Deep, Loving Friendship - w/Cecile McLorin Salvant, Sullivan Fortner & Kelly Peterson
Marcus Miller & Ravi Coltrane: Dual Legacy, Finding Your Voice in Jazz
Emmet Cohen & Benny Benack III: The Future of Jazz, Community, and Inspiring Others
Sean Jones Interviews Wycliffe Gordon: JLCO, Teaching Jazz, and the Trombone's Sell
Lift Thine Eyes: Niki Haris on Cyndi Lauper, Family, and "Optimistic"
Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra: 40 Years of Big Band "Gravy" & Serving the Music
Sullivan Fortner: Storytelling, Stride Piano, and Lessons from Ellis Marsalis
Dee Dee Bridgewater: Storytelling, Legacy, and Mentoring Women in Jazz
Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden: Bass Lines, Punchlines, and Bombing
Christian McBride with Dan Wilson: From Church Pews to the Jazz Vanguard
John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell: Tales of Les Paul, Bucky & Fistfights
Eric Marienthal w/ James Morrison: Why You Should Play, Never Practice
#98: Mindi Abair with Talaya
#97: Randy Brecker on Miles Davis (with Lee Mergner)
#96: Jazzmeia Horn & Cyrille Aimee with Catherine Russell
#95: Rick Braun, Richard Elliot & Peter White with Talaya
#94: Jose James on Bill Withers (with Lee Mergner)
#93: Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III with James Morrison
#92: Marcus Miller & Alonzo Bodden